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Image courtesy of Amorpheus C.A.

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Welcome to the Autodesk 3ds Max Certified User Digital Skills. This document was designed to help educators and educational institutions teach Autodesk 3ds Maxsoftware skills. Created using valuable input from respected educators and designers, it sets forth important skill standards for developing a high-quality user certification exam and curriculum resources.

The Autodesk 3ds Max Certified User Skills serves to standardize the core competencies for fundamental-level instruction with Autodesk 3ds Max for a two-semester class and provides a content framework and reference guide for the Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop.

TIP: Although this document is designed to facilitate teacher-led courses and lessons, it may also be referenced for self-paced learning through the use of the Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop and the Autodesk 3ds Max Certified User Digital Study Packet.

Using This Document

This easy-to-read document lists industry-specific topics pertaining to a function or feature set of Autodesk 3ds Max software. Topics are organized into three substructures logically sequenced for classroom presentation:

Topic: A standard functional subject area and/or feature set available in Autodesk 3ds Max software. Example: Sketching and Modeling.

Subtopic: A subtopic provides more detail on the topics and what the topics support. Example: 2D Sketching with Transforming Objects.

Content: The content provides more detail about the subtopic and what should be taught and learned. Example: Select, Move, Rotate, Scale.

Learning Objective: The learning objective exemplifies what the student is expected to understand. Example: Demonstration these specific functions and their hot keys.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

TOPIC SUBTOPIC CONTENT

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Autodesk 3ds Max Certified User Digital Study Packet

The Autodesk 3ds Max Certified User Digital Study Packet is a digital learning resource that provides students with a library of short videos based on the Autodesk 3ds Max Certified User Skills . The study packet covers the basic techniques required to become familiar with the software and get hands-on quickly.

TIP: Teachers can leverage the study packets in conjunction with the Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop or their own curriculum to help their students build their software skill.

Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop

The Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop provides teachers and students with a highly visual story-based curriculum created to promote design innovation and creative problem-solving through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). The curriculum is structured as a framework for learning software through project-based content based on engaging real-world industry projects that build gradually in difficulty, offering students a chance to achieve small successes as they build their technical skills.

TIP: Using the 3ds Max Certified User Skills as benchmarks, teachers can measure a students progress as they work through the skills-building projects offered in the Autodesk Digital STEAM Workshop.

Feedback

We welcome your feedback on the 3ds Max Certified User Skills. Please email us at digitalSTEAM@autodesk.com.

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Image courtesy of Autodesk Gallery

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Examples of Learning Objective Reference

UI/Scene ManagementDefinitions

Labeling UI Elements i.e. Menu bar, Command panels, etc

Identify major UI components such as the Time

3ds Max User Interface Overview

Coordinate system Discuss the different systems, highlighting their unique features

3ds Max Transforming Objects

Orthographic/Perspective Discuss the differences between both views

3ds Max Viewport Navigation Display

Viewport Navigation ControlAlt + MMB - Rotate Demonstrate the ability to orbit

viewports with Alt+MMB3ds Max Viewport Navigation Display

Viewport DisplaySmooth + Highlights Using a simple 3ds Max scene, show

how the F3 hotkey changes the display mode. Describe the features and limitations of the Smooth + Highlights display mode.

3ds Max Viewport Navigation Display

Wireframe Using a simple 3ds Max scene, show how the F3 hotkey changes the display mode. Describe the features and limitations of the Wireframe display mode.

3ds Max Viewport Navigation Display

Hidden Line Using a simple 3ds Max scene, show how to access the Viewport Label to change the display mode. Describe the features and limitations of the Hidden Line display mode.

3ds Max Viewport Navigation Display

Edged Faces Using a simple 3ds Max scene, show how the F4 hotkey changes the display mode. Describe the features and limitations of the Edged Faces display mode.

3ds Max Viewport Navigation Display

Viewport Display Preferences

Undo Demonstrate the ability to increase/decrease the amount of undos and the impact on performance

3ds Max Scene Management

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Examples of Learning Objective Reference

UI/Scene ManagementViewport Display Preferences

AutoBack Explain the AutoBack feature and how to change its settings

3ds Max Scene Management

Selection of ObjectsClick and drag- window/crossing

Differentiate between the two selection types, and demonstrate their uses

3ds Max Transforming Objects

Lock Selection Demonstrate the benifits of locking a selection, and show how to do so using the Spacebar

3ds Max Transforming Objects

Selection Filters Demonstrate the ability to filter the type of object you wish to select

3ds Max Transforming Objects

Named Selection In a 3ds Max scene, demonstrate how to use the Named Selection to quickly find and select objects

3ds Max Transforming Objects

TransformsAxis Constraints Demonstrate the benifits of

constraining Transforms to a certain Axis

3ds Max Transforming Objects

Rgb=xyz=uvw Explain how rgb=xyz=uvw corrspond to each other

3ds Max Transforming Objects

Transform type- in fields Demonstrate the ability to produce accurate transforms by typing them in, showing both Absolute World and Screen Offset input

3ds Max Transforming Objects

Align Tool Demonstrate the Align Tool and its benefits

3ds Max Align & Pivot

Pivot point Demonstrate and discuss the Pivot Points ability to change how Transforms affect the object

3ds Max Align & Pivot

Right-click spinner zero Highlight this funtionality as a time saving function

3ds Max Align & Pivot

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Examples of Learning Objective Reference

UI/Scene ManagementOrganization of Objects

Named Selection sets Demonstrate the ability to name selctions and how this can increase productivity

3ds Max Scene Management

Layers Hide/Freeze Demonstrate and explain how layers can aid in the organization of a scene

3ds Max Scene Management

Isolation Mode Demonstrate Isolation Mode and explain how it can simplify interactions in complex scenes

3ds Max Scene Management

Project FolderOverview Explain the organization and

importance of the project folder, and list the most common sub-folders and their roles

3ds Max Project Folder & Custom UI

Custom UISave and Load Demonstrate the ability to Save and

Load custom UI settings3ds Max Project Folder & Custom UI

Modeling Transforming Objects

Select Tool Use the q Hotkey, and demonstrate the use of the Select tool

3ds Max Transforming Objects

Move Tool Use the w Hotkey, and demonstrate the use of the Move tool

3ds Max Transforming Objects

Rotate Tool Use the e Hotkey, and demonstrate the use of the Rotate tool

3ds Max Transforming Objects

Scale Tool Use the r Hotkey, and demonstrate the use of the Scale tool

3ds Max Transforming Objects

Creating and Modifying ObjectsBasics of Creating and Modifying Objects

Give an overview of the Create and Modify panels on the Command Panel, explaining the hierarchy

3ds Max Modifying objects & Modifier Stack

Modifier Stack Explain how the Modifier Stack functions

3ds Max Modifying objects & Modifier Stack

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Examples of Learning Objective Reference

ModelingGeometry

Standard Primitives Create examples of Standard Primitives, and explain parametric creation

3ds Max Primitives

Extended Primitives Create examples of Extended Primitives, and explain parametric creation

3ds Max Primitives

SplinesStandard Splines Create examples of Standard Splines,

and show how to change common properties

3ds Max Splines

Extended Splines Create examples of Extended Splines, and show how to change common properties

3ds Max Splines

Surface ModelingSub-Object Selection Identify the sub-objects of splines, and

show how to select and manipulate them

3ds Max Sub Object Selections

Editable Mesh Surface Demonstrate how to create this type of object and its sub-object tools. Explain the basic unit of the Editable Mesh and its features

3ds Max Polygon Modeling

Editable Poly Surface Demonstrate how to create this type of object and its sub-object tools. Explain the basic unit of the Editable Poly and its limitations

3ds Max Polygon Modeling

Editable Spline Demonstrate how to create this type of object and its sub-object tools.

3ds Max 2D Sub-Object Editing

Nurbs Surfaces Demonstrate how to create this Surface and its sub-object tools

3ds Max 2D Sub-Object Editing

Object CloningCopy Define cloning as a Copy as

differentiated from Instance and Reference

3ds Max Object Cloning

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Examples of Learning Objective Reference

ModelingObject Cloning

Instance Define cloning as an Instance as differentiated from Copy and Reference

3ds Max Object Cloning

Reference Define cloning as a Reference as differentiated from Copy and Instance

3ds Max Object Cloning

Make Unique Describe the function of the Make Unique button and demonstrate its use

3ds Max Object Cloning

Array Create an Array and explain key parameters

3ds Max Array & Mirror

Mirror Create and mirror an object using the Mirror tool

3ds Max Array & Mirror

Create Shape, turn off Start New Shape, Create 2nd ShapeNesting shapes for compound shape

Show how multiple shapes can be nested inside one another for modeling purposes

3ds Max Splines

Interpolation/RenderingSplines Demonstrate the interpolation and

rendering features for splines3ds Max Splines

2D Sub- Object EditingVertex tangency types Demonstrate the different tangent

types in the vertex sub--object mode3ds Max 2D Sub-Object Editing

Segment tangency type Demonstrate the different tangent types in the segment sub--object mode

3ds Max 2D Sub-Object Editing

Create Line tool Demonstrate the Create Line tool, explaining the vertex tangency options

3ds Max 2D Sub-Object Editing

Refine Demonstrate how Refine can be used for spline editing

3ds Max 2D Sub-Object Editing

Make First/Reverse Demonstrate how Make First and Reverse can be useful in different scenarios

3ds Max Splines

Shift key for straight line creation

Demonstrate the use of shift while making splines

3ds Max Splines

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Examples of Learning Objective Reference

Modeling2D procedural modifiers Extrude Demonstrate the extrude modifier on

a spline3ds Max Procedural Modifiers

Bevel Demonstrate the bevel modifier 3ds Max Procedural Modifiers

Bevel Profile Demonstrate the bevel profile modifier using a custom spline profile

3ds Max Procedural Modifiers

Lathe (flip normals) Demonstrate the lathe modifier on a simple object, such as a wine glass, explaining the importance of pivot points and showing how to modify the shape after creation

3ds Max Procedural Modifiers

LoftingDefinition shape+path=3D Object

Explain the concept of shape + path for lofting

3ds Max Lofting

Compound object Demonstrate common Compound Objects and explain their uses

Pivot point location Demonstate the concept of the importance of pivot points

3ds Max ProBoolean

Multiple shapes on path Demonstrate how multiple shapes can be lofted on a path

3ds Max Lofting

Compound ObjectsProBoolean Examine the basic parameters and

demonstrate common operations, such as creating the inside of a sink

3ds Max ProBoolean

3D Procedural Modeling Bend Examine the basic parameters and

demonstrate common operations3ds Procedural Modeling

Taper Examine the basic parameters and demonstrate common operations

3ds Procedural Modeling

Twist Examine the basic parameters and demonstrate common operations

3ds Procedural Modeling

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Examples of Learning Objective Reference

ModelingSub-Object Tools

Attach Demonstrate how to attach multiple objects together as one object, including using a Named Selection

3ds Max Polygon Modeling

Bevel Demonstrate how to bevel polygons, including using the caddy interface

3ds Max Polygon Modeling

Chamfer Demonstrate how to chamfer edges and vertices including the using caddy interface

3ds Max Polygon Modeling

Cut Demonstrate how to use the cut tool to subdivide geometry and redirect edge flow

3ds Max Polygon Modeling

Detach Demonstrate how to detach sub-objects and explain where this is useful

3ds Max Polygon Modeling

Extrude Demonstrate how to extrude sub-objects in a modeling workflow, including using the caddy interface

3ds Max Polygon Modeling

Graphite Modeling Toolbar Give an overview of the Graphite Modeling tools and how to access them

3ds Max Polygon Modeling

RiggingBones

Systems Panel Demonstrate the creation of basic bones for a rig, including resizing and displaying fins

3ds Max Rigging Bones

Animation menu Demonstrate applying Inverse Kinematic solvers to bone chains in a rig

3ds Max IK Solvers

Character Studio

Biped Demonstrate the creation of a Biped, including resizing and adjusting structure

3ds Max Character Studio

Show basic Character Studio animation techniques

3ds Max Character Studio

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Examples of Learning Objective Reference

RiggingCAT

CAT Give an overview of the CAT rigs included with 3ds Max, and illustrate the workflow for creating and resizing

3ds Max CAT

CAT Introduce the animation layers and keyframing techniques for a CAT rig

3ds Max CAT

SkinningSkin modifier Show how to skin a mesh to a rig,

and adjust the skin weighting using envelopes

3ds Max Skinning

Skin modifier Show how to fine tune skin weighting using the Weight Tool and Weight Table

3ds Max Skinning

CameraCamera Types

Target Camera Differentiate between the types of Cameras available

3ds Max Camera Types

Free Camera Differentiate between the types of Cameras available

3ds Max Camera Types

Dolly Camera, Target, or Both Demonstrate how to dolly a camera or target

Perspective Explain how the Perspective is different form a camera

3ds Max Camera Viewport Controls

Roll Camera Show how to Roll a camera, explaining what axis this is using

3ds Max Camera Viewport Controls

Camera Viewport ControlsTruck Camera Demonstrate the difference between

the 3 types of Dolly3ds Max Camera Viewport Controls

Orbit/Pan Camera Demonstrate how to orbit/pan a camera, and the controls available, including the use of the Shift key

3ds Max Camera Viewport Controls

Field-of-view Demonstrate how Align Camera Works 3ds Max Camera Viewport Controls

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Examples of Learning Objective Reference

CameraCamera Parameters

Safe Frames Show how to toggle the Safe Frame using the Shift + f hotkey, and explain what the Safe Frame is.

3ds Max Camera Viewport Controls

Field of View Demonstrate the effect of changing the FOV

3ds Max Camera Viewport Controls

LightingStandard Light Types

Omni Light Explore each type of Light, taking note of each Lights unique features

3ds Max Light Types

Target Spotlight Explore each type of Light, taking note of each Lights unique features

3ds Max Light Types

Free Spotlight Explore each type of Light, taking note of each Lights unique features

3ds Max Light Types

Target Directional Light Explore each type of Light, taking note of each Lights unique features

3ds Max Light Types

Free Directional Light Explore each type of Light, taking note of each Lights unique features

3ds Max Light Types

Light Include/Exclude Tool Show how to exclude objects from recieving light from lights

3ds Max Managing Lights

Light Lister Explain the differences between Natural (Outdoor) and Artificial (Indoor) lighting

3ds Max Managing Lights

Managing LightsShadow Parameters Demonstrate how to adjust the look of

a shadow3ds Max Managing Lights

ToolsShadow Types and Shadow Controls

Differentiate the types of shadows available, comparing and contrasting their strengths and limitations

3ds Max Managing Lights

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Examples of Learning Objective Reference

MaterialsMaterial Editor

Material Editor/Slate Material Editor

Illustrate the Slate and Compact Material Editors, comparing and contrasting their workflow and features

3ds Max Material Editor

ShadersBlinn Shader Define material with a real world

example3ds Max Shaders

Metal Shader Define material with a real world example

3ds Max Shaders

Shader Basic Parameters Explain the basics of Shaders 3ds Max Shaders

Shader Parameters Explain basic shader parameters and their real-world applications

3ds Max Shaders

Standard MaterialsStandard Material Explain each Material and their unique

properties and appearance3ds Max Materials

Double Sided Explain each Material and their unique properties and appearance

3ds Max Materials

Top/Bottom Explain each Material and their unique properties and appearance

3ds Max Materials

Blend Explain each Material and their unique properties and appearance

3ds Max Materials

Ink n Paint Material Explain each Material and their unique properties and appearance

3ds Max Materials

Multi/Sub-Object Explain each Material and their unique properties and appearance

3ds Max Materials

Blend Explain each Material and their unique properties and appearance

3ds Max Materials

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Examples of Learning Objective Reference

AnimationAnimation

Time Configuration Explain in detail the options in the Time Configuration window

3ds Max Animation

Auto Key Explain the process of Auto Key animation

3ds Max Animation

Set Key Explain the process of Set Key animation

3ds Max Animation

Track Bar / Timeline Show how to adjust the Track Bar and Timeline for an animation workflow

3ds Max Animation

Time Slider Show how to scrub on the Time Slider, and setp forward and backward in an animation

3ds Max Animation

Editing AnimationMotion Panel>Trajectories Demonstrate how to show

Trajectories, and adjust animation in the viewport

3ds Max Editing Animation

Curve Editor Illustrate basic Curve Editor functions such as adjusting tangents and moving keys

3ds Max Editing Animation

Dope Sheet Differentiate between the Curve Editor and the Dope Sheet, highlighting the Dope Sheets unique workflow

3ds Max Editing Animation

Motion Panel Show how to access animation controllers and adjust them in the Motion Panel

3ds Max Editing Animation

Preview/Render AnimationMake Preview Show how to create an animation

preview, including specifying a codec3ds Max Animation Preview

RAM Player Show the ram player for a sequence of images

3ds Max Animation Preview

Controllers & ConstraintsNoise Controller Apply parameter animation for a basic

Object-Space Modifier (i.e. Bend Modifier)3ds Max Controllers & Constraints

Look At Constraint Demonstrate how to create and apply a Look At Constraint, and describe its uses

3ds Max Controllers & Constraints

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Industry Specific Topic

Sub-Topic Content Examples of Learning Objective Reference

AnimationControllers & Constraints

Look At Constraint Demonstrate how to create and apply a Path Constraint, and describe its uses

3ds Max Controllers & Constraints

Timeline navigation Demonstrate the hotkey Home and describe its use

3ds Max Editing Animation

Timeline navigation Demonstrate the hotkey End and describe its use

3ds Max Editing Animation

RenderingCommon Render Setup Dialogs

Assign Renderer Demonstrate how to assign a renderer 3ds Max Render Setup

Renderer - AntiAliasing Change the antialiasing settings for the chosen renderer

3ds Max Render Setup

Quick Render Render Show how to render the current frame,

and use the F9 hotkey3ds Max Render Setup

Render Setup Show the Render Setup, and use the F10 hotkey

Demonstrate how Active Shade can speed up production

3ds Max Render Setup

iRayDescribe the iRay renderer, and explain its uses and limitations

3ds Max Render Setup

mental rayGive and overview of the mental ray rendering engine, highlighting bounced lighting features

3ds Max Render Setup

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Acknowledgements

Production design/layout:Diane Erlich

Editorial services:Jessica Bendy

Additional editorial services:Diane Erlich

Primary authors:Sandeep Kulkarni

Producer:Linda Sellheim

2011 Autodesk. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be edited or reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Notices Knowledge and best practice in this field are constantly changing. As new research and experience broaden our understanding, changes in research methods, professional practices, or medical treatment may become necessary.

Practitioners and researchers must always rely on their own experience and knowledge in evaluating and using any information, methods, compounds, or experiments described herein. In using such information or methods they should be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, including parties for whom they have a professional responsibility.

To the fullest extent of the law, neither the Publisher nor the authors, contributors, or editors, assume any liability for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions, or ideas contained in the material herein.

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Image courtesy of Neoscape, Inc.